Last updated: November 11, 2024
Plan your festive season itinerary in Belfast with ease! Our guide has all the best holiday events. Whether you're a Belfast local or a global nomad, our guide helps you embrace the city's holiday spirit.
This season, the enchanting "Beauty & the Beast – Family Pantomime" invites audiences of all ages to enjoy a heartwarming tale brought to life with vibrant performances. Adding to the musical offerings, the "Ulster Orchestra: Messiah" will fill the air with magnificent sounds, celebrating the season with memorable classical favorites. And the "Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan" is something you definitely don't want to miss, where adventure and imagination take center stage. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
"Stroll through beautifully lit gardens and pathways."
The Winter Illuminations at The Argory feature beautifully lit pathways and gardens, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere perfect for a winter evening stroll.
Where: Moy | More Info: Winter Illuminations at The Argory
Twinkling lights and festive food in a historic garden setting.
Antrim Castle Gardens transforms into a vibrant winter wonderland with twinkling lights, rides, attractions, and mouth-watering food at the Festive Food Fayre. Visit Wonderland Wood and drop by Santa's grotto for an unforgettable evening.
Where: Antrim | More Info: Enchanted Winter Garden
Twinkling lights and festive food in a historic garden setting.
Antrim Castle Gardens transforms into a vibrant Christmas celebration with twinkling lights, rides, attractions, and mouth-watering food at the Festive Food Fayre. Visit Wonderland Wood and meet Santa for an unforgettable evening.
Where: Newtownabbey | More Info: Christmas Wonderland
Seasonal shopping in a historic garden.
The Yuletide Market at Rowallane Garden is a packed-full weekend event featuring local traders selling gifts and seasonal items in a beautiful garden setting.
Where: Rowallane Garden | More Info: Yuletide Market
Showcasing local artisans' handmade goods.
The North Down Museum Pop-up Christmas Shop features beautiful hand-made products from local makers and crafters, offering a unique shopping experience.
Where: Bangor | More Info: North Down Museum Pop-up Christmas Shop
Seasonal decorations inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas.
Explore the beautifully decorated gardens of Hillsborough Castle, featuring stunning seasonal decorations inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas. Enjoy a variety of artisan food and festive activities amidst the historic backdrop of Northern Ireland's royal residence.
Where: Hillsborough | More Info: Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market
Holiday celebration with local crafts and Santa's visit.
Castle Ward Christmas Village offers an array of crafts, storytelling, and visits to Mrs. Claus' cottage and Santa on his Christmas Tractor, creating a delightful holiday atmosphere.
Where: Strangford | More Info: Castle Ward Christmas Village
Local artisans selling a variety of seasonal items.
The Dundonald Christmas Market at Moat Park features local artisans selling food, art, craft, and skincare. Enjoy artisan street food and specialty hot drinks like seasonal coffees and hot chocolates.
Where: Dundonald | More Info: Dundonald Christmas Market
Features a diverse selection of global food and handmade crafts in a charming setting.
The Belfast Christmas Market transforms the city centre into a vibrant hub of festive cheer, offering an array of artisan goods, delicious food stalls, and seasonal drinks. Filled with a delightful atmosphere, visitors can explore beautifully decorated wooden chalets showcasing handcrafted gifts and global cuisines, creating an ideal setting for unique holiday shopping.
Where: Belfast | More Info: Belfast Christmas Market
Heart-stopping acrobatic tricks and thrilling aerial combat.
The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan is a thrilling seasonal spectacular featuring a swashbuckling trip to Neverland with beloved characters like Peter Pan, Captain Hook, and Mrs. Smee. The show includes heart-stopping acrobatic tricks, thrilling song-and-dance numbers, and dazzling staging effects.
Where: Belfast | More Info: The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan
Interactive pantomime with sensory support facilities.
Beauty & the Beast – Family Pantomime is a lively adaptation of the classic tale featuring a talented cast, colorful characters, and energetic performances. The show includes Talking Teapots, Singing Candlesticks, and Dancing Dogs, making it an engaging experience for all ages. Relaxed and Dementia Friendly performances are also available to ensure inclusivity.
Where: Belfast | More Info: Beauty & the Beast – Family Pantomime
World-class performance of Handel's Messiah by the Ulster Orchestra.
The Ulster Orchestra presents Handel's Messiah, a timeless masterpiece performed by guest soloists and the Belfast Philharmonic Choir, led by conductor Christian Curnyn. This iconic oratorio continues to captivate audiences with its enduring impact and appeal.
Where: Belfast | More Info: Ulster Orchestra: Messiah
World-class orchestral performance with guest vocalists.
The Ulster Orchestra presents a captivating holiday concert featuring festive favorites like "Let It Snow" and "White Christmas," accompanied by renowned vocalists Dana Masters and Patrick Smyth.
Where: Belfast | More Info: Ulster Orchestra: The Magic of Christmas
High-energy jazz and swing performances by a renowned ensemble.
PM Big Band is a renowned ensemble known for its vibrant performances of classic jazz and swing music, blending timeless melodies with energetic rhythms.
Where: Belfast | More Info: PM Big Band
Interactive family competition with live music and Grinch character appearance.
The Grinch’s Kids Christmas Game Show is a thrilling family event where families compete in festive games, with live musical performances and a special visit from the Grinch himself.
Where: Belfast | More Info: The Grinch’s Kids Christmas Game Show
Live music and a 4-course festive meal.
La Mon Hotel & Country Club presents The Lively Lads Party Night, featuring a 4-course festive meal and live music to keep you moving all night long.
Where: Belfast | More Info: The Lively Lads Party Night
Exclusive VIP boxes with private balconies and dedicated waiter service.
Keith and Kristyn Getty – Home For Christmas features GRAMMY-nominated artists performing modern hymns and traditional Christmas carols, blending tradition and innovation in a vibrant celebration of the season.
Where: Belfast | More Info: Keith and Kristyn Getty – Home For Christmas
Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke's unique blend of music and dance.
Join Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke for a dazzling evening of music, dance, and laughter as he performs his brand new Christmas show. Featuring his dynamic live band, incomparable vocalist Lance Ellington, and extraordinary dancers, this event promises a spellbinding performance of cherished Christmas songs and captivating dances.
Where: Belfast | More Info: Christmas with Anton Du Beke and Friends
Family-friendly brunch with Santa Claus visit.
A family-friendly brunch featuring a special visit from Santa Claus, with a buffet selection of fresh fruit juice, pancakes, croissants, homemade muffins, hot chocolate, tea, and coffee. Enjoy face painting, colouring, and dancing to festive music.
Where: Belfast | More Info: Festive Brunch with Santa
Cheeky, saucy pantomime with innuendos and local comedy.
A cheeky and saucy twist on the classic fairytale, featuring innuendos, local comedy, and audience participation.
Where: Belfast | More Info: Sleeping with Beauty
Live carol performances by Bangor Ladies Choir with afternoon tea.
Join us for a delightful afternoon of indulging in delicious cakes and singing along to joyful carols at the Culloden Estate and Spa. This event combines the songs and carols performed by the Bangor Ladies Choir with a sumptuous afternoon tea and charity raffle and stalls.
Where: Belfast | More Info: Cakes and Carols at the Culloden
High-energy live performance by a seven-piece band.
The Soda Popz band returns to the Black Box for their annual, sell-out show, performing authentic tributes to the best-loved hits of the 50s and 60s, including Christmas classics.
Where: Belfast | More Info: A Rock’n’Roll Christmas with The Soda Popz
Traditional holiday celebration in historic settings.
Celebrate Christmas at Ulster Folk Museum with traditional festivities, historic settings, and authentic holiday activities.
Where: Cultra | More Info: Christmas at Ulster Folk Museum
Interactive holiday activities and festive treats.
La Mon Christmas Fayre is a family-friendly event featuring 24 festive stalls, live music by Kai McDowell, bouncy castle fun, and a special visit from Santa Claus. Enjoy a variety of delicious holiday snacks and warm drinks, including hot cocoa and mulled wine.
Where: Belfast | More Info: La Mon Christmas Fayre
Hilarious comedy show featuring die-hard Elvis fans.
Join Caroline Curran for a hilarious festive comedy show where best mates Marty and Frankie, die-hard Elvis fans, try to attend their idol's tribute concert before one of them leaves the Ghetto. Will they escape the prying eyes of Priscilla's Suspicious Mind and avoid a Blue Christmas?
Where: Belfast | More Info: Elvis Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Interactive holiday characters in an Emerald City setting.
Celebrate the holiday season at the Saint Patrick Centre with a festive Christmas party night featuring Santa, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Dorothy in a beautiful Emerald City setting.
Where: Downpatrick | More Info: Christmas Party Night
Interactive Christmas experience with a full-dome show and live theatrical elements.
Join the ELF crew on Mission Santa for an immersive Christmas adventure featuring a full-dome show, live theatrical show, and visits to see Santa. Each mission includes a present for each child and a printed family photograph.
Where: Armagh | More Info: Mission Santa: An Immersive Christmas Experience
Interactive steam train ride with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
At the Whitehead Railway Museum, children embark on a unique Santa experience. They ride a heritage steam train adorned with Victorian decorations, complete a letter to Santa, and interact with Mrs. Claus. The journey includes a visit to Santa's workshop and a gift for each child in a reusable drawstring bag.
Where: Whitehead | More Info: Victorian Santa Experience
Hands-on wreath-making with expert guidance and a delightful afternoon tea.
Join us at Culloden Estate & Spa for a creative wreath-making session led by celebrity florist David McConkey. Learn techniques to craft a stunning wreath using seasonal foliage and decorations. Afterward, indulge in a delightful afternoon tea featuring finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and delectable pastries.
Where: Belfast | More Info: Festive Wreath Making with Afternoon Tea at Culloden Estate & Spa
Hands-on wreath making with a delicious seasonal dinner.
Create your own beautiful wreath with expert guidance from celebrity florist David McConkey, followed by a scrumptious festive supper prepared by talented chefs.
Where: Belfast | More Info: Wreath Making & Festive Supper at the Stormont Hotel
Hand-painted Snowman sculptures inspired by '12 Days of Christmas.'
Walking With The Snowman™ at Hillsborough Castle features 12 hand-painted Snowman sculptures inspired by Raymond Briggs' classic '12 Days of Christmas.' Families can explore the 100-acre gardens to discover individually designed sculptures.
Where: Hillsborough | More Info: Walking With The Snowman™
Carol-singing boat tour with festive activities.
Embark on a guided boat trip around Strangford Lough, singing Christmas carols and enjoying festive arts and crafts. Visit Santa's Grotto, where you can write a letter to Santa, enjoy hot chocolate and shortbread, and find out if you've been naughty or nice. The tour includes a 30-minute sleigh ride and a visit to Santa's helpers.
Where: Strangford Lough | More Info: Santa Cruise
Spooky games and local artisan market.
At Montalto Estate, immerse yourself in a spooky atmosphere with Halloween-themed activities, including a haunted Pumpkin Patch and spooky games. Wander through The Carriage Rooms, transformed into an enchanting market featuring local artisans and unique handcrafted treasures. Meet Montalto's Witch Hazel and enjoy flame-grilled treats, hot drinks, and Halloween-themed bites.
Where: Ballynahinch | More Info: Santa at Montalto
Unique wreath-making experience with expert guidance and delicious afternoon tea.
Join us for a delightful afternoon of wreath making and indulgent afternoon tea at the cozy Stormont Hotel. Get your creative juices flowing as you craft your own unique wreath with celebrity florist David McConkey. Treat yourself to a scrumptious afternoon tea filled with delectable sandwiches, scones, and sweet treats. It's the perfect opportunity to relax and socialize.
Where: Belfast | More Info: Wreath Making & Afternoon Tea at the Stormont Hotel
Intimate Santa meet-and-greet in a historic setting.
Meet Santa and his elves in the cozy grotto at The Argory, surrounded by beautifully decorated rooms and festive atmosphere.
Where: Moy | More Info: Meet Santa and his elves in the grotto at The Argory
